The region was originally inhabited by Timucua and later Seminole peoples. Settlement began about 1843 around Fort Gatlin, a U.S. Army post. First called Jernigan for Aaron Jernigan, an early settler, the town was renamed in 1857 to honour Orlando Reeves, an army sentry killed during the Seminole Wars. Prior to the American Civil War, the area was a cotton and cattle centre. After the war, citrus became a leading industry. The South Florida Railroad arrived in 1880 and was extended to Tampa in 1883. The development after 1950 of the Cape Canaveral aerospace complex, 50 miles (80 km) east, spurred population and economic growth, which were further boosted when Walt Disney World opened in 1971 about 20 miles (30 km) southwest. The construction of other attractions followed, and the city acquired a National Basketball Association franchise (the Orlando Magic) in 1987.
1. Who were the original inhabitants of the region?
A) Apache and NavajoB) Timucua and Seminole
C) Sioux and Cherokee
D) Choctaw and Chickasaw
2. What was the area initially named after settlement began around Fort Gatlin?
A) ReevesvilleB) Gatlinville
C) Jernigan
D) Orlando
3. Why was the town's name changed to Orlando in 1857?
A) To honor the arrival of the South Florida RailroadB) To honor Orlando Bloom
C) To honor Orlando Reeves, an army sentry
D) Due to the expansion of citrus farming
4. What were the area’s primary industries before the American Civil War?
A) Citrus and tourismB) Cotton and cattle
C) Cattle and aerospace
D) Railroad and basketball
5. What industry became prominent in the area after the Civil War?
A) AerospaceB) Citrus
C) Railroad
D) Tourism
6. When did the South Florida Railroad arrive in the area?
A) 1857B) 1843
C) 1880
D) 1950
7. What significant event in 1971 contributed to population and economic growth in the area?
A) The opening of the South Florida RailroadB) The establishment of the citrus industry
C) The opening of Walt Disney World
D) The construction of the Cape Canaveral aerospace complex
8. In which year did Orlando acquire a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise?
A) 1980B) 1971
C) 1950
D) 1987
9. How far is Cape Canaveral from Orlando?
A) 50 miles (80 km) eastB) 20 miles (30 km) southwest
C) 15 miles (24 km) north
D) 100 miles (160 km) southeast
10. What major infrastructure development spurred further growth in the area after 1950?
A) Construction of Fort GatlinB) Arrival of the South Florida Railroad
C) Development of the Cape Canaveral aerospace complex
D) Opening of Walt Disney World